JP2005328838A

JP2005328838A - Reel lawn mower equipped with openable and closable safety guard

Info

Publication number: JP2005328838A
Application number: JP2005043807A
Authority: JP
Inventors: James E Berkeley; イー．，バークリージェームズ
Original assignee: Textron Inc
Current assignee: Textron Inc
Priority date: 2004-05-21
Filing date: 2005-02-21
Publication date: 2005-12-02
Also published as: US20050257511A1; US7121071B2; CN1698408A; CA2490608A1; KR100656547B1; KR20060046129A; EP1597959A1

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reel lawn mower equipped with an openable and closable safety guard. <P>SOLUTION: This reel-type lawn mower has a mobile structure and a ground traction member which is rotatably joined to the mobile structure. The ground traction member tracks and moves the mobile structure at a ground speed on the ground. A power unit is supported by the mobile structure and outputs driving force to the ground traction member. A bed knife is supported by the mobile structure and has a cutting edge cooperating with a lawn-mowing reel which is rotatably supported on the mobile structure. A collecting device is attachable to or detachable from the mobile structure and collects mowed grass. A flap unit is rotatably joined to the mobile structure and positioned in a close position in which the lawn-mowing reel is hidden and an open position in which the lawn-mowing reel is exposed. An operation system drives the flap unit into the close position, when the collecting device is detached from the mobile structure, and drives the flap unit into the open position, when the collecting device is attached to the mobile structure. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明はリール式の芝刈り機に関するものである。特に、位置を変えることで開閉可能な安全ガードを有するリール式の芝刈り機に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a reel-type lawn mower. In particular, the present invention relates to a reel-type lawn mower having a safety guard that can be opened and closed by changing its position.

リール式の芝刈り機は当業界において良く知られており、従来の回転式の芝刈り機に対して多くの明確に優れた刈り取り性能がある。特に、回転するリール刃組立品と固定刃との機構的な連繋により、所望の刈り取りを行なうことができる。回転するリール刃部は一般に、回転軸に水平に固定された複数の刃部材を含む。 Reel lawn mowers are well known in the art and have many clearly superior mowing performance over conventional rotary lawn mowers. In particular, the desired cutting can be performed by the mechanical linkage between the rotating reel blade assembly and the fixed blade. The rotating reel blade generally includes a plurality of blade members fixed horizontally to a rotation shaft.

作動中、草またはその他の植物は、複数の刃部材のうち１つと、固定刃との間で引っぱられ、刈り取りが行われる。その後、刈り取られた草は、地面に排出されてそこで分解される（マルチングモード）か、または収集かごに排出され処分される（バギングモード）。一般には、リール式の芝刈り機は、マルチングモードとバギングモードとのいずれでも作動可能なように構成可能である。 In operation, grass or other plants are pulled between one of the plurality of blade members and the fixed blade for cutting. The cut grass is then discharged to the ground where it is decomposed (mulching mode) or discharged to a collection basket and disposed of (bagging mode). In general, a reel-type lawn mower can be configured to operate in either a mulching mode or a bagging mode.

多くのリール式芝刈り機は、長年のサービスにより、すでに安全で信頼性があるものと証明されているが、最近、継続して確実に安全に作動するため、新たに安全のための特徴を提供することへの関心が高まっている。上述のリール式の芝刈り機に関しては、バギングモードで芝刈りをしている間に、オペレータは、何度も袋を空にする。袋を空にしている間に、エンジンが動きつづけ、さらに複数の刃部材がまだ回り続けている場合があるかもしれない。一般には、オペレータの手はこの複数の刃部材に近づけないものの、オペレータの間違いや事故を防ぐために、さらなる保護が望まれている。 Many reel-type lawn mowers have already been proven to be safe and reliable by many years of service, but recently they have been introduced with new safety features in order to continue to operate safely and reliably. There is growing interest in providing. Regarding the above-described reel-type lawn mower, the operator empties the bag many times while mowing in the bagging mode. While the bag is emptied, the engine may continue to run and more than one blade member may still be turning. In general, the operator's hand cannot be brought close to the plurality of blade members, but further protection is desired in order to prevent operator mistakes and accidents.

これにより、当業界では、リール式芝刈り機を使用している際に事故や負傷につながるオペレータの誤りを防ぐ安全ガードの提供が必要とされている。さらに当業界では、バギングモードとマルチングモードとの両方で使用するために簡単に構成可能なリール式芝刈り機用の安全ガードの提供が必要とされている。さらに、当業界においては従来技術の欠点の克服が必要とされている。 Thus, there is a need in the industry to provide a safety guard that prevents operator error leading to accidents and injuries when using a reel-type lawn mower. Furthermore, there is a need in the industry to provide a safety guard for a reel mower that can be easily configured for use in both bagging and mulching modes. Furthermore, there is a need in the industry to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

本発明によれば、有用な構成を有するリール型芝刈機が提供される。リール式芝刈り機は、搬送用構造、および、搬送用構造に回転可能に連結される接地牽引部材を含む。接地牽引部材は、地面上で搬送用構造を対地速度で牽引移動させる。動力装置は搬送用構造に支持され、接地牽引部材に駆動力を出力する。ベッドナイフは搬送用構造に支持されて、切断エッジを有する。該切断エッジは搬送用構造上で回転可能に支持される芝刈りリールと協働する。収集器具は搬送用構造に接続可能で、または、搬送用構造から取り外し可能で刈り取り草を収集する。ガードが搬送用構造に回転可能に連結され、芝刈りリールを隠す閉位置、および、芝刈りリールを露出させる開位置に位置付けられる。作動システムは収集器具が搬送用構造から取り除かれた場合にはガードを閉位置に駆動し、収集器具が搬送用構造と接続した場合にはガードを開位置に駆動する。 According to the present invention, a reel type lawn mower having a useful configuration is provided. The reel-type lawn mower includes a transfer structure and a ground pulling member that is rotatably connected to the transfer structure. The ground pulling member pulls and moves the transport structure on the ground at a ground speed. The power unit is supported by the transport structure and outputs a driving force to the ground pulling member. The bed knife is supported on the transport structure and has a cutting edge. The cutting edge cooperates with a lawn mower reel which is rotatably supported on the transport structure. The collecting device can be connected to the transport structure or can be detached from the transport structure to collect the cut grass. A guard is rotatably connected to the transport structure and is positioned in a closed position that hides the lawn mowing reel and an open position that exposes the lawn mowing reel. The actuation system drives the guard to the closed position when the collection device is removed from the transport structure, and drives the guard to the open position when the collection device is connected to the transport structure.

本発明のさらなる応用については、以下の詳細な説明により明らかになるであろう。以下の詳細な説明ならびに具体的な例は本発明の好適な実施形態を示すが、例示の目的のみのものであり本発明の範囲を限定する意図はない。 Further applications of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. The following detailed description as well as specific examples illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

以下の好適な実施形態の詳細な説明は説明の目的のためのみのものであり、本発明、その応用、またはその使用を限定するものでは全くない。 The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or its use.

図１には、本発明のグリーン用芝刈機１０を示す。グリーン用芝刈機１０はリール式の芝刈機で、基部１２およびフローティングまたは関節式芝刈りユニット１４を有する。芝刈りユニット１４は回転機構１６を介して基部１２に関節連結される。 FIG. 1 shows a green lawn mower 10 of the present invention. The green lawn mower 10 is a reel type lawn mower having a base 12 and a floating or articulated lawn mower unit 14. The lawn mowing unit 14 is articulated to the base 12 via a rotation mechanism 16.

芝刈りユニット１４はらせん刃２０を有する回転可能なグリーン用芝刈機のリール１８を含む。らせん刃２０はリール軸２２に等間隔で配置される。図２より最も良くわかるようにリール軸２２は一般に縦長で、その長さに沿って回転軸２４を規定する。従来の（図示しない）固定されたベッドナイフが、芝刈りユニット１４に動作可能に取り付けられている。らせん刃２０は軸２２の回りを回り、固定されたベッドナイフを通り過ぎて動き、通常の良く知られている方法で草を刈る。芝刈りユニット１４はさらに、１対の接地ローラ２６(図１)を含む。上記１対の接地ローラ２６は芝刈りユニット１４の前部分と後ろ部分とに沿って回転可能に取り付けられる。上記１対の接地ローラ２６により芝刈りユニット１４が地面上で動くように支持される。上記１対の接地ローラ２６は、刈り取り高さを決めるために調整可能であるのが好ましい。 The lawn mower unit 14 includes a rotatable green lawn mower reel 18 having a spiral blade 20. The spiral blades 20 are arranged on the reel shaft 22 at equal intervals. As best seen in FIG. 2, the reel shaft 22 is generally vertically long and defines a rotation shaft 24 along its length. A conventional (not shown) fixed bed knife is operatively attached to the lawn mowing unit 14. The helical blade 20 moves around the axis 22 and moves past a fixed bed knife and cuts the grass in the usual well known manner. The lawn mowing unit 14 further includes a pair of ground rollers 26 (FIG. 1). The pair of grounding rollers 26 are rotatably mounted along the front portion and the rear portion of the lawn mowing unit 14. The lawn mowing unit 14 is supported by the pair of grounding rollers 26 so as to move on the ground. The pair of grounding rollers 26 are preferably adjustable to determine the cutting height.

基部１２は一般に、内燃機関３２、フレーム３４、芝ローラ３６、駆動システム３８、およびハンドル組立品４０を含む。内燃機関３２は従来の設計のもので、フレーム３４に取り付けられる。 Base 12 generally includes an internal combustion engine 32, a frame 34, a turf roller 36, a drive system 38, and a handle assembly 40. The internal combustion engine 32 is of conventional design and is attached to the frame 34.

芝ローラ３６はローラ軸４６を介してフレーム３４に取り付けられている。芝ローラ３６は基部１２を地面上で支持し、グリーン用芝刈機１０の牽引駆動部として働く。これ以外の地面を支える牽引部材で置き換えることもできる。駆動システム３８は出力軸４８と芝ローラ３６との間で動作可能なように連結されている。駆動システム３８は一般に、出力軸４８に取り付けられこれと共に回転する（図示しない）駆動滑車と、芝ローラ３６に取り付けられこれと共に回転する（図示しない）遊び滑車とを含む。（図示しない）駆動ベルトが駆動滑車と遊び滑車との間で伸び、内燃機関３２から芝ローラ３６に駆動力を伝達する。このようにして、内燃機関３２から接地芝ローラ３６へ牽引駆動伝達が行なわれ、グリーン用芝刈機１０を少なくとも前方向に駆動することができる。 The turf roller 36 is attached to the frame 34 via a roller shaft 46. The turf roller 36 supports the base 12 on the ground and functions as a traction drive unit of the green lawn mower 10. It can also be replaced by a traction member that supports the ground other than this. The drive system 38 is operably connected between the output shaft 48 and the turf roller 36. The drive system 38 generally includes a drive pulley that is attached to and rotates with the output shaft 48 (not shown) and an idler pulley that is attached to and rotates with the turf roller 36 (not shown). A drive belt (not shown) extends between the drive pulley and the idler pulley and transmits drive force from the internal combustion engine 32 to the turf roller 36. In this manner, traction drive transmission is performed from the internal combustion engine 32 to the ground lawn roller 36, and the green lawn mower 10 can be driven at least in the forward direction.

さらに図２には、芝刈りユニット１４に、安全ガード５０が設けられていることが示されている。安全ガード５０はフラップ装置５２を含む。該フラップ装置５２は軸５６に沿って縦材５４の間にヒンジで取り付けられている。フラップ装置５２は上方の開位置（図２参照）と下方の閉位置との間の位置を取ることができる。上方の開位置では、フラップ装置５２はヒンジ軸５６の回りを上方向へ回転し、排出開口５８を露出させる。排出開口５８は刈り取られた草を（図１に仮想的に図示した）収集袋６０中に自由に排出できるようになる。下方の閉位置では、フラップ装置５２の末端６２は縦材５４の間を伸張している支持棒６４と接触する。上記下方の閉位置では、末端６２は支持棒６４上に置かれても良い。上記下方の閉位置では、刈り取られた草はマルチングにされ続け、芝刈りユニット１４の下方から外へ排出される。 Further, FIG. 2 shows that the lawn mowing unit 14 is provided with a safety guard 50. The safety guard 50 includes a flap device 52. The flap device 52 is hinged between the longitudinal members 54 along an axis 56. The flap device 52 can take a position between an upper open position (see FIG. 2) and a lower closed position. In the upper open position, the flap device 52 rotates upward about the hinge shaft 56 to expose the discharge opening 58. The discharge opening 58 allows the mowed grass to be freely discharged into the collection bag 60 (shown virtually in FIG. 1). In the lower closed position, the distal end 62 of the flap device 52 contacts a support bar 64 extending between the longitudinal members 54. In the lower closed position, the end 62 may rest on the support bar 64. In the lower closed position, the cut grass continues to be mulched and discharged from the lower side of the lawn mowing unit 14.

さらに図２に関して、安全ガード５０はさらに作動装置６６を含むが、上記作動装置６６はフラップ装置５２および縦材５４の間に連結されていることが好ましい。作動システム６６は、フラップ装置５２を上方の開位置および下方の閉位置の間で設置するよう作動可能である。作動システム６６は複数多種のシステムのいずれであっても良いが、例として水圧システムを含む。水圧システムでは水圧液が伸縮可能な水圧ピストンを作動させ、フラップ装置５２を開閉させる。これに代えて、作動システム６６は電気ソレノイドシステムでも良い。この場合、ソレノイド装置が励起してフラップ装置５２を開閉する。さらに作動システム６６はバネなどのバイアス部材でも良く、上記バイアス部材がフラップ装置５２を開位置または閉位置へとバイアスし、これにより収集袋６０が取り除かれたときにフラップ装置５２が下方の閉位置へと移動する。 Still referring to FIG. 2, the safety guard 50 further includes an actuator 66, which is preferably connected between the flap device 52 and the longitudinal member 54. The actuation system 66 is operable to install the flap device 52 between an upper open position and a lower closed position. The actuation system 66 may be any of a number of different systems, but includes a hydraulic system as an example. In the hydraulic system, a hydraulic piston that can expand and contract hydraulic fluid is operated to open and close the flap device 52. Alternatively, the actuation system 66 may be an electric solenoid system. In this case, the solenoid device is excited to open and close the flap device 52. Further, the actuation system 66 may be a biasing member such as a spring, which biases the flap device 52 to the open or closed position so that when the collection bag 60 is removed, the flap device 52 is in the lower closed position. Move to.

さらに、芝刈りユニット１４の縦材５４にはスイッチ７０が連結されている。スイッチ７０は収集袋６０と協働して、作動システム６６を起動する信号を出力する。作動システム６６が電子ソレノイドを有する場合には、スイッチ７０は単なる電子スイッチ部材で、収集袋６０を取り除いた際ソレノイドに切断電力を供給し、これによりフラップ装置５２が下方の閉位置へと移動する。作動システム６６が水圧システムである場合には、スイッチ７０は電気または水圧スイッチで液体を介して水圧ピストンと連係を行いまたは連係を妨げ、これによりフラップ装置５２が下方の閉位置へと移動する。 Further, a switch 70 is connected to the vertical member 54 of the lawn mowing unit 14. The switch 70 cooperates with the collection bag 60 to output a signal that activates the actuation system 66. If the actuation system 66 has an electronic solenoid, the switch 70 is simply an electronic switch member that provides cutting power to the solenoid when the collection bag 60 is removed, thereby moving the flap device 52 to the lower closed position. . If the actuation system 66 is a hydraulic system, the switch 70 is an electrical or hydraulic switch that interacts with or prevents the hydraulic piston via the liquid, thereby moving the flap device 52 to the lower closed position.

本発明の説明は、単に例示のために行なったものであり、本発明の主旨から外れない変形例は、本発明の範囲に入るものと考えられる。このような変形例は、本発明の思想と範囲とから外れるものとは見なされない。 The description of the present invention has been given by way of example only, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Such variations are not to be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

本発明のリール芝刈機を示す透視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the reel lawn mower of this invention. 本発明の芝刈りユニットを示す拡大透視図である。It is an expansion perspective view which shows the lawn mowing unit of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

１０グリーン用芝刈機（リール芝刈機）
１２基部（搬送用構造）
１４芝刈りユニット（搬送用構造）
１６回転機構（搬送用構造）
１８リール（芝刈りリール）
２０らせん刃
２２リール軸
２４回転軸
２６接地ローラ
３２内燃機関（動力装置）
３４フレーム（搬送用構造）
３６芝ローラ（設置牽引部材）
３８駆動システム（搬送用構造）
４０ハンドル組立品（搬送用構造）
４６ローラ軸
４８出力軸
５０安全ガード（ガード）
５２フラップ装置（ガード）
５４縦材
５６ヒンジ軸
５８排出開口
６０収集袋（収集器具）
６２末端
６４支持棒
６６作動装置（作動システム）
７０スイッチ（スイッチ装置） 10 Green lawn mower (reel lawn mower)
12 Base (Conveying structure)
14 Lawn mower unit (conveying structure)
16 Rotating mechanism (conveying structure)
18 reel (lawn mowing reel)
20 Spiral Blade 22 Reel Shaft 24 Rotating Shaft 26 Grounding Roller 32 Internal Combustion Engine (Power Device)
34 frames (conveying structure)
36 Lawn Roller (Installation Towing Member)
38 Drive system (conveying structure)
40 Handle assembly (conveying structure)
46 Roller shaft 48 Output shaft 50 Safety guard (guard)
52 Flap device (guard)
54 Vertical material 56 Hinge shaft 58 Discharge opening 60 Collection bag (collection device)
62 Terminal 64 Support rod 66 Actuator (actuation system)
70 Switch (Switch device)

Claims

A mobile structure,
A grounding traction member that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that pulls the transport structure on the ground at a ground speed;
A power device supported by the transport structure and outputting a driving force to the ground pulling member;
A bed knife supported by the transport structure and having a cutting edge;
A lawn mowing reel that is rotatably supported on the transport structure and has a cutting blade for mowing grass in association with the bed knife, and generates mowing grass;
A collecting device that is connectable to or removable from the transport structure and collects the mowing grass;
A guard that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that is positioned in a closed position that hides the lawn mowing reel, and an open position that exposes the lawn mowing reel;
The guard is operatively connected between the transport structure, and when the collecting instrument is removed from the transport structure, the guard is driven to the closed position, and the collecting instrument is the transport structure. And a reel lawn mower having an operating system for driving the guard to the open position when connected to.

The reel according to claim 1, further comprising a switch device that is operatively coupled between the transport structure and the collection instrument and that outputs a signal to the operating system when the collection instrument is connected to the transport structure. Lawn mower.

The actuation system includes a hydraulic drive member, the hydraulic drive member is operatively coupled between the guard and the transport structure, and is responsive to the signal between the closed position and the open position. The reel lawn mower according to claim 2, wherein the guard is driven.

The actuation system includes a solenoid member, the solenoid member being operatively coupled between the guard and the transport structure, and the guard between the closed position and the open position in response to the signal. The reel lawn mower according to claim 2, wherein the reel lawn mower is driven.

The reel lawn mower according to claim 1, wherein the guard is a planar member rotatably connected to the transport structure.

A transport structure;
A grounding traction member that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that pulls the transport structure on the ground at a ground speed;
A power device supported by the transport structure and outputting a driving force to the ground pulling member;
A bed knife supported by the transport structure and having a cutting edge;
A lawn mowing reel that is rotatably supported on the transport structure and has a cutting blade for mowing grass in association with the bed knife, and generates mowing grass;
A collecting device that is connectable to or removable from the transport structure and collects the mowing grass;
A guard that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that is positioned in a closed position that hides the lawn mowing reel, and an open position that exposes the lawn mowing reel;
The guard is operatively connected between the transport structure, and when the collecting instrument is removed from the transport structure, the guard is driven to the closed position, and the collecting instrument is the transport structure. A reel lawn mower having a hydraulic operating system that drives the guard to the open position when connected to the open position.

7. The switch device according to claim 6, further comprising a switch device that is operatively coupled between the transport structure and the collection instrument and that outputs a signal to the hydraulic actuation system when the collection instrument is connected to the transport structure. Reel lawn mower.

The reel lawn mower according to claim 6, wherein the guard is a planar member rotatably connected to the transport structure.

A transport structure;
A grounding traction member that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that pulls the transport structure on the ground at a ground speed;
A power device supported by the transport structure and outputting a driving force to the ground pulling member;
A bed knife supported by the transport structure and having a cutting edge;
A lawn mowing reel that is rotatably supported on the transport structure and has a cutting blade for mowing grass in association with the bed knife, and generates mowing grass;
A collecting device that is connectable to or removable from the transport structure and collects the mowing grass;
A guard that is rotatably connected to the transport structure and that is positioned in a closed position that hides the lawn mowing reel, and an open position that exposes the lawn mowing reel;
The guard is operatively connected to the transport structure, and when the collecting instrument is removed from the transport structure, the guard is driven to the closed position, and the collecting instrument is moved to the transport structure. A reel lawn mower having a solenoid actuating system for driving the guard to the open position when connected.

10. The switch device according to claim 9, further comprising a switch device operatively coupled between the transport structure and the collection instrument and outputting a signal to the solenoid actuation system when the collection instrument is connected to the transport structure. Reel lawn mower.

The reel lawn mower according to claim 9, wherein the guard is a planar member rotatably connected to the conveyance structure.